Climate action starts with cities, and cities start with you

Cities are responsible for 70 percent of the world's emissions and more than half the world's population - and they're most vulnerable to the impacts of the climate crisis.

So, what can cities do? A lot.

That's what I'll talk about in March as part of a panel at the South by Southwest Conference & Festivals (SXSW) in Austin, alongside my counterpart from Baltimore and an executive from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Here in Portland, our Climate Emergency Workplanprovides a to-do list: Reducing carbon from sectors that produce it (like transportation, industry, and buildings). Reducing carbon from the consumption of food, goods, and materials. Sequestering carbon in trees and green spaces. And building Portlanders' resilience to the impacts of climate change, focusing on people who are most vulnerable.

You can be part of creating Portland's next climate action plan. I hope you'll consider applying by January 17, the end of next week, to serve on Portland's new Sustainability and Climate Commission.

This 20-member body will review and propose actions to the Portland City Council to achieve City-adopted goals to eliminate carbon emissions by 2050 and make Portlanders more resilient - especially communities of color and those most at-risk and vulnerable to impacts of climate change. 

The volunteer commission will meet at least once a month. Work will be organized by eight initial focus areas, such as building and homes, energy and renewables, and environmental justice and equity.

I encourage people from every part of Portland to share their voices, especially those who have not been involved before and have lived experiences from climate change. If you want to serve your community and help government make better choices, then we want to see your application!